The Russell squad qualified after winning Awards of Excellence and Merit at the Festival’s Seaway District competition March 1-3 in Cornwall. Stage Manager Isobel McIntyre received an Award of Excellence for her work on the school’s entry Hedges, while costume designers Marieke Kragt and Laura Anex won an Award of Merit for their work as well.

RHS teacher Kevin Kennedy, who is directing the production, said he was proud of his squad for their commitment to the competition.

“We put so much time into rehearsing for this show in a short period of time and it is always an amazing feeling of pride to see their hard work pay off,” said Kennedy.

A team from St. Lawrence Secondary School also competed, winning awards including: Award of Distinctive Merit for Best Comedic Actor, David Dubinsky; Award of Distinctive Merit for Best Props, teacher Sonya MacDonell’s Art Club; and Award of Excellence for Best Ensemble, dramatic crew.